September 9, 2008

Winery is an amazing wine and spirits shop housed in what was once the first gubernatorial palace in Mendoza. The one-time run-down beaux artes mansion has been renovated to hold a spectacular selection of Argentina's finest wines, high-quality spirits, regional artisan foods, and drink accessories–from glasses and decanters to corkscrews.

The Mendoza store is the 11th in the chain, and the only one outside of Buenos Aires–check out their website to see photos of the other stores. This is the only one in a renovated mansion, but the other locations are equally swanky.

Yes, this store is geared toward tourists, and so many people might rather see an 'authentic' view of what Argentina looks like, but Winery fills a void in the marketplace–a marketplace that's opening by leaps and bounds and changing the face of Mendoza.

Here, a pictorial tour:

Above: the entrance hall, which takes you to the first photo of this post–the counter, which is below the stained-glass ceiling of what was once the…dining room? ballroom? formal salon?

Below: the stained glass ceiling again…

Imagine eating a meal under that!

Below: The bas-relief fireplace with the governor's family crest. It's been converted into a classy room containing leather wingback chairs and scotch.

Below: a view of the same room from the other direction…

Below: merchandise area–note the inlaid parquet floor.

Below: the patio and garden area, which have been remodeled to be a wine bar and tapas restaurant.